Adult Classes

We offer weekly classes in painting, drawing, ceramics, pottery, mixed media, metal design and jewelry design! Classes typically meet once a week for six weeks. Most adult level classes are open to ages 18 and up. See our full Spring Adult Schedule below and find the perfect class for you!

Members of Emerge Gallery & Art Center, Home of the Pitt County Arts Council, are able to sign up for classes at a reduced member price. Not a member? Become a member of Emerge today! All memberships are on a yearly basis. Click here to learn more about our memberships.

Spring 2019: January - May

CERAMICS & POTTERY

Open Ceramics Studio

An amazing benefit of being enrolled in one of our pottery classes is that you can come in an work in the studio anytime during our open hours to gain extra practice! While camps and classes occupy the main studio during the summer, we have a satellite room that potters can work in.

DAYTIME CLASS OPTIONS

Daytime Potter’s Wheel

Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm

This is the perfect class for those interested in learning and perfecting throwing on the potter's wheel. Intro students will learn the basics of wheel throwing while intermediate and advanced students will work with the instructor on problem solving and refining their skills. [Min. 6, Max. 8]

Supply Fee: $20 per bag of clay - covers glazes & firing as well. Ages 16 and up or by special permission for senior project.

This class will cover handbuilding, glazing techniques, and surface decoration. Students will learn how to make various seasonal projects while learning to use a slab roller, extruder,
and other tools. [Min. 6, Max. 8]

Instructor: Gail Ritzer Supply Fee: $20 per bag of clay - covers glazes & firing as well. Ages 16 and up or by special permission for senior project.

It's Resolution Season and this is the time of year when everyone wants to lose weight, reduce debt, minimize clutter, etc. It seems like everyone wants to make things smaller. But not you! You want to get bigger…pots. So if your New Year’s Goal is to make larger pots, this is the class for you. We will dedicate 6-weeks to work through a series of exercises and techniques designed to help you make bigger and taller pots than you currently are making. But bigger is only better if the pot is well thrown. So class demonstrations and discussions will address good and efficient throwing techniques. Potters should be able to center and pull 2lbs of clay. [Min. 6, Max. 8]

Instructor: Rae BrownSupply Fee: $20 per bag of clay - covers glazes & firing as well. Ages 16 and up or by special permission for senior project.

Do you want to enhance your pots and add more visual and tactical depth? Then this survey of surface decorative techniques may be just what you need to inspire you to make pots distinctively your own. We will focus on one surface decorating option at each phase of the ceramic process: wet, leather hard, and bisque. This session will emphasize wheel throwing only as related to surface decoration and potters will be expected to bring pots/tiles to practice various techniques. At the end of this session, potters will have several new decorative skills in their repertoire to continue developing pots that are as unique as the potter who made them. Potters should be able to center and pull 2lbs of clay. [Min. 6, Max. 8]

Instructor: Rae BrownSupply Fee: $20 per bag of clay - covers glazes & firing as well. Ages 16 and up or by special permission for senior project.

Historically, baskets have been a vital part of homemaking because they are as lovely as they are useful. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes so making baskets will challenge and expand your throwing skills. Demonstrations will address shape, scale, and handle options. Join us on Tuesday nights as we make lovely ceramic baskets. Potters should be able to center and pull 2lbs of clay. [Min. 6, Max. 8]

Instructor: Rae BrownSupply Fee: $20 per bag of clay - covers glazes & firing as well. Ages 16 and up or by special permission for senior project.

If you’ve never tried the potter’s wheel but have always wanted to, then this class is for you. If you’ve thrown on the wheel before but need a refresher or are new to Emerge, then this class is for you too! During this introductory class, you will learn the fundamentals necessary for throwing cylinders and bowls. The session will focus on techniques for centering, opening, pulling, trimming, and glazing; and, by the end of the session, students will have several finished pots to take home. Class size is restricted so students can get the technical instruction required to establish a good foundation for continued learning. This class is a prerequisite for continuing pottery classes. [Min. 4, Max. 6]

Instructor: Julie Rogers Supply Fee: $20 per bag of clay - covers glazes & firing as well. Ages 16 and up or by special permission for senior project.

Continuing students will hone their skills at centering, opening, and pulling during this 6 week class. Projects are designed to help improve the fundamentals necessary for crafting wellmade cylinders and bowls. Advanced skills such as increasing scale, pulling spouts, and attaching handles will be addressed to challenge potters who have more wheel experience. Each project will include glazing and surface decoration discussions. This class is project driven and will allow students to take home several functional pieces! Introduction to Wheel Throwing is a prerequisite to this class. [Min. 6, Max. 8]

Instructor: Julie Rogers Supply Fee: $20 per bag of clay - covers glazes & firing as well. Ages 16 and up or by special permission for senior project.

Membership to THE FIRING CIRCLE is open to all current and previously enrolled students taking classes through our pottery program. If you have not taken a pottery class through Emerge, you must first enroll in the Clay Studio Orientation Class prior to joining THE FIRING
CIRCLE. Members of the Firing Circle are paying only for the use of the kiln facilities. They are not eligible for use of the pottery facility including wheels, tables, equipment, etc. This is simply a club for those individuals who wish to create and work on their artwork off site,
but need kiln usage. (Those wishing to use the Emerge Facility and supplies should enroll in Mudhole.) Clay and glazes are not included. Clay may be purchased at class rates. Clay not purchased at Emerge is not permitted. Dues run on a 6-month basis. Members pay for firing by drying room shelf load.

Membership Rates: $25 for members, $65 for non-members
Firing Rates: $10 per drying room shelf – Must place receipt on drying room shelf in order to be fired with potter’s name. .

Mudhole

Membership to MUDHOLE is open to all current and previously enrolled students taking classes through our pottery program. Dues run on a 3-month or a 6-month basis. Membership entitles you to use our facilities any time during our open hours, whether you are currently
enrolled in a class or not, the ability to purchase clay at class rates, use of glazes, and your work will be fired though our facility.

3 Month Membership Rates: $95 for members of Emerge, $135 for non-members

6 Month Membership Rates: $145 for members of Emerge, $185 for non-members.

Private Lessons in Pottery

Private lessons are available in pottery! These hands-on lessons are taught in the one-on-one format with the instructor demonstrating, then letting the student try it. Class dates and times are scheduled by the student and instructor’s mutual agreement. Supply Fee – $20 per bag of clay- covers glazes & firing as well. Call Paula Rountree at Emerge (252) 551-6947 or e-mail at paula@pittcountyarts.org for more information and to schedule. Cost: $150 for members, $190 for non-members. – 4 one-hour lessons Bring a friend: 2 people $100 each, 3 or more $75 each -4 one hour lessons (members only).

New Option! – Need only one lesson? Schedule by the hour - $40 an hour for one person, 2 or more people $35 an hour per person (members only)

METAL DESIGN & JEWELRY

Open Metal Design Studio

As a benefit of enrollment in our metals program, current students are able to come in and work during our open studio hours currently scheduled for Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm until 8:30pm.

Metalsmithing Basics

4 times to choose from! See below.
“I made it myself!” That’s what you’ll tell friends when they
ask about the unique piece of jewelry you’re wearing. Learn
metalsmithing techniques such as sawing, filing, soldering, and
riveting to make a variety of projects. First-time participants
will make a bracelet that involves all of these basic methods.
Returning participants will work with the instructor to problem
solve, refine their basic skills, and explore more advanced
techniques such as enameling, etching, alternative materials, and
stone setting. [Min. 6, Max 7]
Instructor: (see times below)
Supplies are included with the exception of fine metals, such as
silver, that students may wish to use in class.
Three class times to choose from! Please note:

Private lessons are available in metal design & jewelry! These lessons hands-on are taught in the one-on-one format with the instructor demonstrating, then letting the student try it. Only 1st class supplies are included. Supply list will be provided at 1st class. Class dates and times are scheduled by the student and instructor’s mutual agreement. Call Paula Rountree at Emerge (252) 551-6947 or e-mail at paula@pittcountyarts.org

New Option! – Need only one lesson? Schedule by the hour - $40 an hour for one person, 2 or more people $35 an hour per person (members only)

PAINTING AND DRAWING

Painting and Drawing

Whether it is watercolor, acrylic, oils, charcoal, or graphite that strikes your fancy, we have the class for you! Our classes are small and are taught like several private lessons at once, geared towards your specific interests and subject matter choices. You will learn just as much from your classmates as you will from your instructor. Our class structure is great for beginners or experienced painters and drawers to further their skills! Mediums that can be covered include acrylics, watercolor, oils, graphite, charcoal, pastels, and more! [Min. 6, Max. 12]
First night’s supplies are included.
Instructor will provide a supply list at the first class

Silk painting is a very unique craft. The ink used into the silk, and resist techniques provide ample opportunities to create unique compositions and patterns. Students will be provided with plenty of materials to get started as well as information to order their own supplies for working from home. [Min. 6, Max. 8]

Private lessons are available in textiles! These hands-on lessons are taught in the one-on-one format with the instructor demonstrating, then letting the student try it. Class dates and times are scheduled by the student and instructor’s mutual agreement. Supply Fee – $20 per bag of clay- covers glazes & firing as well. Call Paula Rountree at Emerge (252) 551-6947 or e-mail at paula@pittcountyarts.org for more information and to schedule. Cost: $150 for members, $190 for non-members. – 4 one-hour lessons Bring a friend: 2 people $100 each, 3 or more $75 each -4 one hour lessons (members only).

New Option! – Need only one lesson? Schedule by the hour - $40 an hour for one person, 2 or more people $35 an hour per person (members only)

BOOKMAKING

Introduction to Bookmaking

Learn the basics of book making! This course will cover a variety of techniques including sewn bindings, folded structures, and using adhesives. Participants will construct both hard cover and soft cover books, books for journaling and sketching as well as artist books. Tools and some materials provided. No experience needed.

Private lessons are available in bookmaking! These hands-on lessons are taught in the one-on-one format with the instructor demonstrating, then letting the student try it. Class dates and times are scheduled by the student and instructor’s mutual agreement. Supply Fee – $20 per bag of clay- covers glazes & firing as well. Call Paula Rountree at Emerge (252) 551-6947 or e-mail at paula@pittcountyarts.org for more information and to schedule. Cost: $150 for members, $190 for non-members. – 4 one-hour lessons Bring a friend: 2 people $100 each, 3 or more $75 each -4 one hour lessons (members only).

New Option! – Need only one lesson? Schedule by the hour - $40 an hour for one person, 2 or more people $35 an hour per person (members only)

PHOTOGRAPHY

Private Lessons in Photography

Private lessons are available in photography! These hands-on lessons are taught in the one-on-one format with the instructor demonstrating, then letting the student try it. Class dates and times are scheduled by the student and instructor’s mutual agreement. Supply Fee – $20 per bag of clay- covers glazes & firing as well. Call Paula Rountree at Emerge (252) 551-6947 or e-mail at paula@pittcountyarts.org for more information and to schedule. Cost: $150 for members, $190 for non-members. – 4 one-hour lessons Bring a friend: 2 people $100 each, 3 or more $75 each -4 one hour lessons (members only).

New Option! – Need only one lesson? Schedule by the hour - $40 an hour for one person, 2 or more people $35 an hour per person (members only)